Preview: Principality Premiership

Neath will be out to stretch their lead at the top of the Principality Premiership this weekend when they welcome lowly Maesteg to the Gnoll.

The Welsh All Blacks have reasserted themselves as title favourites in recent weeks after keeping their heads whilst all around them were losing theirs. They sit four points ahead of nearest rivals Ebbw Vale with a game in hand and looked in fine shape last time out as they ran in five tries past Glamorgan Wanderers in a 35-22 victory.

However, Maesteg were also impressive victors last weekend as they stunned Llanelli at Llynfi Road with a 17-13 triumph. That win will have given the Old Parish side a much needed confidence boost heading to the Gnoll and with nothing to lose the fixture will hold no fears for them.

Ebbw Vale meanwhile, welcome in-form Aberavon to Eugene Cross Park, determined to banish the memories of last weekend's drubbing at the hands of Bridgend. They face a tough task though with the Wizards arriving on the back of three impressive victories that have seen them jump up into fourth position.

Bridgend will be looking for a repeat performance of that Ebbw Vale trouncing when Llanelli come to the Brewery Field. The Ravens catch the Scarlets at a low ebb and having won three out of their last four, will fancy their chances of claiming another scalp.

Cardiff fell off the pace in the title race last weekend after a surprising home defeat to Swansea and they will be looking to rectify that slip-up when Llandovery come to the Arms Park, while Cross Keys, smarting from their last minute victory at Bedwas last week, are also at home, this time to Pontypridd.

Glamorgan Wanderers' season is in freefall at present so their home tie with Bedwas takes on vital importance as they look to resurrect their campaign. The Cardiff club are currently on a four game losing streak after a promising start and will have nothing else on their mind other than stopping the rot.

In the final match, which is to be played on Sunday, two of the league's struggling giants meet at Rodney Parade as Newport play host to Swansea.

Actor and Millennium Stadium Tour Guide Gareth Bale has been performing his one-man play about Wales rugby legend Ray Gravell across Wales. He chats to WRU TV before taking his show to the Edinburgh Festival.

After widespread consultation, the WRU has made major changes to its pathway programme for girls rugby with a spring and summer season being introduced with immediate effect in order to respond to a clear demand to play the game.

Martyn Phillips addresses the press after being unveiled as the Welsh Rugby Union's new group chief executive. Phillips, who is originally from Fishguard, will work alongside WRU Chairman Gareth Davies, to lead and manage the strategic and operational development and evolution of the governing body at a time of rapid change within the game and will take up his new role at the WRU in the autumn.

The Webb Ellis Cup visited Lampeter on Monday to recognise the fact that the town is celebrating a major milestone as it is believed the first ever game of rugby played in Wales, was in fact played in Lampeter 150 years ago.